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Scott Knuteson

Todd Shearer

Samaritan’s Purse Arrives in Colorado Springs to Help People Who Lost Homes to Massive Fire

U.S. Disaster Relief Teams Will Help Victims in Fire-Devastated Communities Sift Through the Ashes and Debris

BOONE, N.C., June 20, 2013—

Disaster relief teams with the North Carolina-based Christian relief organization Samaritan's Purse have arrived in Colorado Springs, Colorado, where the devastating Black Forest fire ripped through more than 14,000 acres, destroyed nearly 500 homes and tragically claimed two lives. Since setting up its Disaster Relief Unit on Wednesday at a local church, Samaritan's Purse has already received requests for help from 190 homeowners.

"The fire has taken a terrible toll on people in Colorado Springs," said Samaritan's Purse President Franklin Graham. "We will have teams of volunteers working with the homeowners to salvage anything the flames left behind and to not only help them recover physically, but to show them that God loves them."

Some homeowners are just now returning to their neighborhoods. Samaritan's Purse disaster experts were shown the burn area yesterday and are meeting with emergency management officials today to discuss when volunteers will be allowed into the neighborhoods to help fire victims. The teams will sift through the ashes and debris to recover sentimental items belonging to the fire victims.

Last year, Samaritan's Purse disaster relief teams helped homeowners in Colorado and New Mexico after wildfires destroyed hundreds of homes in those two states.

The Samaritan's Purse teams will be working alongside crisis-trained chaplains from the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association Rapid Response Team, who will minister to the victims.

The Samaritan's Purse Disaster Relief Unit is based at Mountain Spring Church (7345 Adventure Way, Colorado Springs), which is located two miles from the burned communities. The tractor-trailer serves as a command center for the Samaritan's Purse response and is fully stocked with equipment that volunteers will use to help homeowners.

Homeowners needing help can visit the Disaster Relief Unit or call 719.623.2750. To volunteer with Samaritan's Purse, go to spvolunteernetwork.org. Donations to help victims can be made atsamaritanspurse.org.

Samaritan's Purse is an international Christian relief and evangelism organization that has helped more than 27,000 families in 31 U.S. states following fires, hurricanes, tornadoes, floods and ice storms.